Hearty Kale and Bean Soup (Printable)

Wholesome soup featuring kale, root vegetables, and white beans in a fragrant broth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 3 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 large potato, peeled and diced
07 - 6 cups fresh kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Legumes

08 - 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Spices and Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
03 - Add chopped kale and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly wilted.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in drained cannellini beans and simmer for 5 additional minutes to heat through.
07 - Add fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The soup develops this incredible silky texture after the kale wilts into the broth that makes you feel like youre getting a nutrient-packed hug from the inside out.
  • You can toss this together on a Sunday and enjoy wholesome, ready-to-heat lunches throughout a busy week when you need something substantial but healing.
02 -
  • The first time I made this soup I added the beans at the beginning and they disintegrated completely, so adding them toward the end preserves their texture and appearance.
  • I discovered that letting the soup rest for about 10 minutes off heat before serving allows the flavors to settle and intensify in a way that transforms it from good to memorable.
03 -
  • I learned that adding a parmesan rind (if youre not vegan) to the simmering soup creates an incredible depth of flavor without actually making the soup taste cheesy.
  • On busy weeknights, I often prepare all the vegetables the evening before, storing them in a container in the fridge so I can just dump and go when I get home tired and hungry.
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